Remotely Activated Rail Switch System with Modular Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail switch control systems require significant modifications to rail infrastructure and a central traffic control room, making them costly and impractical for temporary or contract-based operations, especially when multiple types of rail switches are used in a single region or network.
Innovation Solution
A remotely activated rail switch system that includes a connecting clamp, motor, interconnect member, and transceiver, allowing for remote control of rail switches without modifying existing infrastructure, and can be easily installed and removed from various types of rail switches, using a clamping mechanism that secures to the throw arm without welding or civil construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a point machine with central traffic control room is used to control rail switches remotely, then remote control capability is achieved, but infrastructure modification requirements and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the rail switch control function into independent modular components: a controller unit, a communication module, and a mechanical actuation mechanism. Each component operates independently and can be installed separately on existing switches without requiring a centralized control architecture, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining remote control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication module as an intermediary between the remote controller and the rail switch mechanism. This intermediary handles all signal transmission and reception, allowing the controller to operate the switch remotely without requiring direct physical connection or complex integration with the existing infrastructure, thus simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Extent of automation
If point machine with central traffic control room is used, then remote control is achieved, but cost and infrastructure modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller unit is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of existing rail switches through standardized mechanical interfaces and adjustable mounting mechanisms. The system can be adapted to different switch configurations without requiring custom infrastructure modifications for each switch type, thereby reducing costs and installation complexity while providing remote control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the remote control functionality from the existing rail switch infrastructure by using a separate, self-contained controller unit that attaches to the switch mechanism. This extraction allows the control function to be added without modifying the core switch structure or requiring integration into the central traffic control room, thereby reducing infrastructure modification requirements and costs.
3Reliability
If heavy mechanical integration with existing rail switch is used for remote control, then control reliability is improved, but adaptability to different switch types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can dynamically adapt to different switch types and positions. The controller unit can be positioned and secured at various locations on the switch mechanism, allowing the same universal controller to reliably operate different switch configurations without requiring heavy fixed mechanical integration, thus maintaining both reliability and adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables remote control of rail switches without altering the existing rail infrastructure, allowing for flexible installation and removal, reducing costs and complexity, and maintaining switch functionality before and after installation, while ensuring efficient operation and safety through sensor-based position determination and automated alerts.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to cause the rail switch to change positions
Implementation Method 2
a connecting clamp configured to be removably attached to a throw arm of a rail switch
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely activated rail switch system is disclosed herein that is configured to permit the remote control of a railroad switch. The rail switch system may include at least a connecting clamp configured to removably attach to any standard size rail switch throw arm, a motor, an interconnect member between the connecting clamp and the motor, and a transceiver. In various embodiments, the remotely activated rail switch system may be installed without making any modifications to the existing rail infrastructure. For example, the rail switch system may be installed without any welding, digging, and/or other civil construction. Rather, the remotely activated rail switch system may be installed by simply (or only) clamping a frame or body of remotely activated rail switch system to wooden ties adjacent a rail switch and attaching the connecting clamp of the remotely activated rail switch to the throw handle of the switch.